As a contractor or heavy equipment operator in Florida, your daily routine should begin with a machine walk-around and inspection. Watch the video below for a few pointers to keep you safe and comfortable once inside the heavy equipment cab.

In today’s economy, controlling the spiraling costs associated with buying and maintaining equipment can be an important part of staying profitable.

Too often, equipment purchasing decisions are viewed as an unenviable dilemma: pay a premium for a new machine or deal with the long-term added service costs of buying used.

However, reductive thinking such as this can easily lead to paying too much when a less-expensive machine will do. Taking the time to research your purchase beforehand is essential. When it comes to used heavy equipment, knowing how to shop smartly will allow you to choose a machine that will deliver a lifetime of reliable performance at a fraction of the cost of buying new.

About Ring Power

When it comes to buying new or used construction equipment, no one in Florida understands the needs of today’s construction companies, mining and agribusiness operators, building managers and other small, medium and large contractors better than Ring Power. Since 1962, Ring Power has been a vital ally to anyone in the market for CatÒ heavy equipment throughout the state and beyond.

With 26 locations in the southeast region, there’s no better partner to a growing business of any size. When you trust Ring Power for your new or used equipment needs, you benefit from:

Genuine Cat quality — As the legendary brand’s only representative in north and central Florida, Ring Power offers factory authorized repairs and exclusive service programs, such as the Cat Scheduled Oil Sampling (SOS) protocol. What this means is that your purchase will be maintained to the highest standards and will continue to deliver exceptional performance for as long as you own it.

The largest parts inventory — Ring Power maintains one of the largest inventories of Cat equipment parts in the southeast United States. Whether you need repairs or scheduled maintenance, we can quickly provide the items you need to minimize disruption to your fleet.

24-hour service — When an unexpected issue is threatening your productivity, only Ring Power can provide emergency repairs to the high standards set by the Cat brand. Our team of field technicians is available around the clock for service that gets you back up and running quickly. With more than 600 field service vehicles, there’s no repair, maintenance or diagnostic issue we can’t handle. One call to our toll-free number is all it takes to get a team dispatched to your location.

To find out more about what Ring Power can do for you, or to view our current inventory of new and used heavy equipment, contact a location near you today.

Why Buy Used?

The most obvious benefit to buying used construction equipment is the lower purchase price. When buying used, fleet owners can afford a higher caliber of machine than they would otherwise be able to afford if they were limited to new. This translates to increased productivity, greater fuel efficiency and lower operating costs overall. Some of the other benefits of buying used construction equipment include:

Avoiding depreciation — Depreciation schedules for used construction equipment aren’t linear. That means resale values don’t continue to depreciate at the same rate over time. While most machines will lose between 20-40% of their value within a year of being purchased, values remain relatively stable following that — as long as all major components are well-maintained. When you buy a machine that’s more than a year old, you effectively save this initial depreciation while still getting something that’s relatively new and good for a lifetime of use.

Resale value — Due to the uneven depreciation schedules of most construction equipment, a machine bought used will retain a large portion of its value if serviced properly. Be sure to keep records of all repairs and preventative maintenance, as these will increase your equipment’s resale potential.

Similar technology — Historically, the heavy equipment industry has been slow to adopt new technologies. This means that the important components of a given piece of machinery, on a year to year basis, are relatively unchanged. By buying used, you will save money while still getting a machine that’s well equipped to handle the challenges of the future.

Available warranties — Most reputable used equipment dealers, such as Ring Power, offer comprehensive warranties, preventative maintenance plans, and other service agreements for all used construction equipment. This means you can shop with confidence knowing your purchase will be backed up by a reputable team you can trust to deliver on their promises.

Easier training — While the nuts and bolts of a used tractor, used dozer, used skid steer loader or other machine are unlikely to vary significantly, certain changes from year to year — particularly those relating to control systems — may require time-consuming retraining of your staff. Buying used allows you to purchase a machine your team is already comfortable with, so you can maintain productivity even as you upgrade your fleet.

No wait times — The training issue speaks to a larger concern when buying both new and used equipment for construction. We all know that time is money, and for most owner/operators, the expense of purchasing any machine will need to be offset by a quick return to full productivity. When buying new, delivery times can run to weeks or even months, particularly if additional work tools or other modifications are required. By buying used, you get a machine that is ready to be put into service immediately.

Is used construction equipment automatically a better value than new? Not always. For many contractors, buying new equipment represents an important investment in the future of their business. However, automatically dismissing a used machine as more expensive to operate and maintain can be a costly mistake. As with all things, exercising due diligence when shopping for machinery is essential. By looking critically at the value new machinery brings vs. the lower cost of buying used, you will be better positioned to evaluate your needs and make the best purchase decision for the long term.

The key to making a successful long-term decision involves knowing what to look for when shopping for used Cat equipment. We’ve gone into depth and created a general used construction equipment buying guide that will allow you to do just that.

How to Value Used Construction Equipment

Whether you’re in the market for used construction equipment, used agricultural equipment or any other heavy machinery, your primary consideration is likely to be purchase price. When setting your budget, you should consider how you will arrange financing, what the long-term implications of an equipment lease will be to your operating budget, and what the anticipated operating costs will be for a given piece of equipment.

How long do I plan on using this machine? How will it fit into my long-term business plan? Is buying outright really the best decision, or should I consider renting?

Will my purchase meet the future needs of my business? Is there a realistic potential for growth in expanding my fleet?

What will the operating costs be? Will future upgrades be required to meet emissions or other regulatory guidelines?

What will be required to train staff? Who will use this new machine, and what are the occupational health implications of expanding my fleet?

How will I service my purchase? Are my in-house technicians properly equipped to perform required maintenance and repairs, or will I have to outsource mechanical work?

A hard look at these and other important questions is essential to thinking broadly about your used equipment needs.

Knowing What to Pay

Unlike cars and on-highway trucks, there’s no particular resource for pricing heavy equipment. Because of the high degree of customizability for individual machines, those in the market for a used asphalt paver, used crane truck or other piece of heavy equipment can’t simply turn to the equivalent of the Kelly Blue Book for high and low values.

A few online resources, including the Equipment Watch Green Guide and Fastline, will make your search easier. However, neither can be considered a comprehensive or authoritative used heavy equipment price guide. (The Green Guide, in particular, requires a $1900 annual subscription fee, limiting its usefulness to all but dealers and auction houses.)

When you’re shopping for used heavy equipment, the only way to be sure you’re getting a fair deal is to do the research yourself. Prices for different machines can vary considerably from region to region. Check with your local used construction equipment dealer and account for any additional work tools or other upgrades you may need to configure a machine to your specific purposes.

Knowing how to value used construction equipment is an inexact science. A number of different factors will affect the price a given machine will command on the market — often in unpredictable ways. When performing market research or shopping for a used machine, bear in mind the impact the following factors can have on pricing:

The value of used construction equipment does not depreciate evenly over time. Instead, about a year after purchase, depreciation slows and values remain relatively consistent provided the machine stays in good condition. At this point, the number of hours on the machine begins to play a larger role in determining resale values. An older machine with low hours that has been properly maintained will fetch more than one that shows its age more evidently.

It should come as no surprise that the manufacturer’s reputation plays a large role in determining the value of used construction equipment. One of the reasons why Cat equipment holds its value so well is because of the company’s Certified Rebuild program. Thanks to modular components that can be reconditioned, rebuilt or replaced, Cat machines have a built-in “second life” that will continue to deliver productivity for years to come.

The ability to do more in the field is an important selling point for any piece of used heavy equipment. It only makes sense that a machine that is better equipped will command a higher price than a bare-bones model. However, it’s important to remember that additional features will require additional maintenance and increased training time — don’t be swayed by bells and whistles that won’t add long-term value to your fleet.

The vendor selling a used machine can play an important role in determining its market value — especially when compared to the uncertainty of buying from an unknown vendor. For example, many of the used generators, skid steer loaders and other equipment for sale at Ring Power have been sourced from our rental fleet. As a result, individual units have a detailed service history verifying that all regular maintenance has been performed to the highest standards. A reputable used Cat equipment vendor will also allow potential buyers to inspect and test equipment, and will back up everything they sell with some level of warranty support.

You don’t need a degree in economics to know that shifting market conditions play a role in how the value of a used construction machine or generator is determined. A slow economy means less money is being spent on construction and infrastructure development. In turn, this means fewer potential purchasers for used machines, which drives down prices and gives buyers more room to negotiate. Seasonal and location-specific variations can also have an impact on certain machines — during peak local construction and logging times, used heavy equipment will be in greater demand and will command higher prices.

Renting vs. Buying: Understanding Operating Costs

With the many factors that determine how to value used construction equipment, many fleet owners opt for the more stable costs associated with renting, particularly for short-term or one-off projects.

Is renting a better option for your business? The answer may not be as straightforward as you think. For an in-depth look at the bottom line costs associated with renting and owning used construction equipment, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers publishes a comprehensive Construction Equipment Ownership and Operating Expense Schedule that can be useful. The guide offers region-specific methodology for determining the operating costs of different types of heavy equipment, including local gas and diesel prices, electricity costs, import, tax and freight rates, and more. You’ll be able to determine hourly operating costs, which can then be referenced against rental rates to determine the best overall option for a one-off job.

Making a Smart Purchase

Once you have identified your equipment needs and settled on a budget that’s both realistic for the type of machine you want and within your means, you can begin the process of looking at potential purchases. Here, again, some research and a critical eye will be essential allies when making a decision.

To ensure you get a machine that delivers reliable performance and a solid return on your investment, you need to know a potential purchase is both mechanically and structurally sound. Any reputable used heavy equipment vendor will allow you to perform a thorough inspection before making a decision.

Cab — Operator comfort and visibility are important considerations when inspecting the cab of any used machine. A well-designed and well-maintained cab means greater productivity, lower training costs and less time spent on rework. Some features to look for include adjustable seat height, back and lumbar support, armrests, steps, hand rails and adjustable, well-laid out controls.

If you have the opportunity to try out the machine, check for visibility, vibrations through the seat or floor, noise and temperature levels, and any reflections, glares or other distractions. While many of these things may seem like minor nuisances at first, try to imagine yourself working an eight hour shift in the machine — what factors will impede your comfort and productivity over the course of the day? Can they be easily fixed or altered to provide a better user experience? If not, would a different machine be better suited to the task?

Chassis — A visual inspection of a machine’s chassis can tell you a lot about its condition. Look closely for evidence of leaks, particularly in the engine compartment, around hydraulic components and near any other hoses, pumps and rams. Check for parts that have been welded or other indications of a prior repair, particularly by sprockets, tracks, locks and arms.

Get underneath the machine and inspect the undercarriage for damage, repairs or worn parts that will require replacing. Make sure you look for cracked windows and other cosmetic damages that haven’t been fixed. While a well-used machine can be expected to display some wear and tear, the presence of potential safety hazards that are left unaddressed can indicate a lack of upkeep.

Engine/transmission — The engine and transmission are two of the most important components of any machine, so it pays to do your due diligence and thoroughly inspect both for signs of wear. If necessary, bring along an experienced operator who knows what to look for.

Start the engine and listen for any abnormal noises, look for smoke, and check to ensure all gauges are working properly and no error messages come up. Put the transmission into gear and see how smoothly it goes. Move the machine forwards and backwards, and listen for any squeaks or noises that may indicate worn-out rollers or other components. Lastly, step outside the machine and make sure exhaust emissions are properly vented and that all moving parts, hot surfaces and other potential safety hazards are guarded.

Hydraulics/work tools — While hydraulic cylinders can be rebuilt or replaced, doing so is often expensive and time-consuming. Knowing of any issues beforehand will help you make a more informed purchase decision. Look for leaks and worn seals in the pump compartment and along the swing bearing. Check for excessive play or other control issues that may indicate a history of improper use. Inspect all included work tools for wear issues, such as scalloping in excavator buckets. If you plan on purchasing additional attachments, make sure the machine has the necessary hydraulic lines to support them, if applicable.

Tracks/tires — Replacing work tracks and tires can be expensive. Check for any missing bolts or tracks on track-type machines. Check tires for bulges or cracks, both of which are common on machines that are stored outside. Bring a tread gauge to determine wear on tires. Tires that are worn unevenly may indicate suspension or drivetrain issues on certain machines. Visit the tire manufacturer’s website to check replacement requirements and costs. While this information should be included on any inspection report provided to you by the vendor, it’s important to double check for yourself to be sure.

Ultimately, your experience and intuition as an owner/operator is essential when shopping for used machinery. Be sure to ask questions and bring along other team members with expertise in a given piece of equipment. The more trustworthy eyes you have on a potential purchase, the more informed you will be about its overall condition and future maintenance costs.

Ask to see all maintenance records and confirm that the engine, transmission, hydraulics, suspension and other parts have been maintained according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Take note of any major repairs that were performed, particularly if they appear to recur in a specific problem area.

While newly-replaced parts can be an important selling point, they may also indicate a history of improper use or neglect. Ask both why a repair was performed and how it was done — the use of OEM parts and the following of manufacturer’s repair vs. replace guidelines all indicate an appropriate level of care has been taken.

One indicator that due care has been taken with a machine’s maintenance is a record of regular oil analysis, such as the Cat Scheduled Oil Sampling (SOS) protocol. The presence of metal particulates in a machine’s engine and hydraulic oil indicates wear on replaceable components. Tracking levels of different metals provides a key insight into the condition of these parts over time. While oil sampling is most effective when performed at regular intervals, it can also be helpful as part of a pre-purchase inspection. Ask that a full report and analysis be provided before making any decision to buy.

Contact Ring Power for Used Construction Equipment in Central Florida

Like any major purchase or business decision, buying used construction equipment requires a careful consideration of your needs, both now and in the future. By partnering with Ring Power, you’ll gain a trusted ally who will work with you to select the machine that delivers the most value for your purchasing dollar. If you’re in the central or northern Florida area, contact one of our 26 locations for immediate assistance with all your used construction equipment needs.

With an aging lift truck fleet and increasing repair expenses, Tampa-based Corasential called on Ring Power’s Lift Truck team to perform a complete fleet evaluation.

Working closely with Coresential, the Ring Power Lift Trucks team carefully reviewed Corasential’s warehouse operations, fleet maintenance reports, and overall equipment health. By combining the equipment operations and productivity expertise of area Salesman, Joe Zevchak and the product support talents of Product Support Representative Jason Marmino, Ring Power Lift Trucks assembled a proposed fleet replacement to lower the cost of forklift ownership and improve fleet productivity.

Corasential had previously been running LP gas trucks and was leery of switching over to electric. Their previous experience with electric forklifts led to the impression of under-powered forklifts that saved time on operational expense at the cost of productivity.

If it were not for the nearly 20 year relationship with Ring Power's lift truck division, Coresential would likely have returned to their trusted LP units. Their trust in the Ring Power Lift Truck’s team and a demonstration of the capability of the Caterpillar and Clark products at the Ring Power's Riverview/Tampa facility convinced Corasential that they could go electric without sacrificing productivity.

Coresential has now taken delivery of their initial truck replacements and are pleased with the productivity increases and how quiet the electric trucks are in the plant. Coresential is planning on additional replacements of LP trucks with Electric. The lower operational expense, improved productivity and safety of quiet electric has proven to be a big win for Coresential.

Ring Power Lift Trucks is Florida's premier material handling equipment supplier, with ten conveniently located forklift facilities. Choose a new forklift or used forklift, to fit your budget. We supply forklift parts and service no matter what make or model forklift you own. We even design entire warehouses with new pallet racking.

The Daytona 500 was the only race in NASCAR’s three national series postponed because of rain last year. After the day and a half delay, the race was red-flagged for another two hours when Juan Pablo Montoya’s car crashed into a track jet dryer, causing it to burst into flames.

This year, NASCAR will debut a new track-drying system — Air Titan — at the Daytona 500 – and it won’t need jet fuel. Ring Power’s air compressor team helped engineer the amount of air needed and delivery system to the new track drying equipment being utilized this year. The new system will use heated compressed air pushed through pipes behind a pickup truck, to blast the track dry. With air compressor technology, a track such the 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway can be dried in less than an hour – a huge improvement over what used to take up to 2.5 hours – and in a safer, more carbon emissions-friendly way.

To learn more about the track drying system from the NASCAR vice president of racing operations, visit http://ow.ly/hI5pY.

You can also view an animation of how the new drying system works here.

Tune in to the race and look for the Ring Power and Sullair logos on the compressor trailer wraps.

Monster Jam came to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. Jan. 19 and Feb. 2. For the fourth year in a row Ring Power provided the equipment needed to build the track before the event, maintain the track during the show and right trucks that roll over while competing. Check out this photo of a Cat 950 Wheel Loader lifting “El Diablo”, a star performer, after it flipped over during the event Feb. 2.

Justin Barlanti has been promoted to the position of Product Support Sales Manager at Ring Power Lift Trucks, the forklift division of Ring Power Corporation.

Barlanti joined Ring Power in 2005 as a Heavy Equipment Product Support Inside Sales Representative. He moved to Hydraulic Sales and Repair in 2006, where he introduced many customers to Ring Power’s hydraulic repair capabilities. In 2010, Barlanti joined the Lift Truck team as a Product Support Sales Representative covering Jacksonville and surrounding counties. Barlanti has been instrumental in the parts and service growth at North Florida branches. He will continue to work out of the Jacksonville office. Barlanti is a graduate of Jacksonville University and has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.

Ring Power Lift Trucks is the forklift and material handling division of Ring Power Corporation, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. Additional offices service Pompano Beach, Miami, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, Orlando, Tampa, Sarasota, Ocala and Tallahassee. For more information on Ring Power Lift Trucks, visit the Ring Power Lift Trucks website.

Ring Power donates the use of Cat forklift to high school’s Global Logistics Academy

In a small Lake City warehouse, big things are happening.

The warehouse is part of Columbia High School’s Global Logistics Academy, and inside students get hands-on instruction, gaining the skills and experience necessary for a successful career in the logistics field.

But until recently the warehouse lacked a key ingredient — a forklift

So academy instructor Rebecca Golden made a call to Ring Power in Lake City and Regional Sales Manager Todd Sandlin set the wheels in motion to make a forklift in the warehouse become a reality.

Oct. 2 Ring Power Lift Trucks, with administrators and students watching, handed over the keys to a Cat Lift Trucks C5000 to Golden. With the support of Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift of America (MCFA), Ring Power Lift Trucks donated the use of the Cat Lift Trucks forklift for the academic year.

“The forklift will allow students to train and become forklift certified, making them more employable,” said Golden.

Having a forklift in the warehouse will also allow outside groups to come in and become forklift certified, providing additional income to sustain the program, Golden said.

At the warehouse on campus students receive books from First Book, an organization out of Washington D.C. that collects and donates books. When a shipment arrives, students receive the order, package the books and then distribute them throughout the country.

Three years ago the Global Logistics Academy started with just 53 students. Currently 124 students are enrolled in the program and many of them enter careers in the logistics field upon completion of the program.

Anthony and Andrew Pickolo started in the logistics program in their sophomore year. Now seniors, they are spending time in the warehouse on-campus and interning with several companies off-campus.

Andrew said once he completes the program this year he is “pretty much guaranteed employment at the Target distribution center.”

Target has also partnered with the logistics academy and recently donated racking for the warehouse.

The Columbia High School Logistics Academy makes a lot of sense.

Lake City, with its access to major highways and rail lines, is quickly positioning itself as an inland port. Several major corporations have distribution centers already located in Lake City, and many more are expected.

Ron DeSantis, an Iraq war veteran, former prosecutor and current Republican nominee for the 6th Congressional District stopped by Ring Power Corporation headquarters last week, the North and Central Florida Caterpillar heavy construction equipment dealer — and it wasn’t just to play on the heavy equipment.

DeSantis was on-site to film portions of an upcoming campaign video, and Heavy Equipment II Technicians, Jimmy Wiggins and Adam Rake even got in on the action.

While the video is not yet available, here are some pictures of last week’s visit.

Pictured left right: Ron DeSantis, Jimmy Wiggins and Adam Rake

Pictured left right: Ron DeSantis, Jimmy Wiggins and Adam Rake

Ron DeSantis was given permission by Ring Power to film footage onsite. For more information about Ron DeSantis, visit www.voteron2012.com

The quality and pride Ring Power Lift Trucks takes in rebuilding and reconditioning a used forklift is the difference. Our goal when producing a used lift truck, is to provide a quality forklift that far exceeds our customer’s expectations, backed by superior support services, guarantees and warranties.

To meet these goals the following forklift components and systems are visually inspected and replacement parts or reconditioning as needed:

• Engines & Transmissions – Transmissions and engines including support systems are thoroughly inspected to ensure appropriate performance for operational hours.• Hydraulic Systems – The forklift's hydraulic system, including cylinders and hoses, is inspected. Any hydraulic leaks are repaired and the entire system is checked to ensure appropriate performance.• Masts – Mast including rollers and lift chains are inspected for damage and wear. Adjustments are made to ensure safe dependable operation.• Steer & Drive Axles – inspected for leaks or damage due to overloading or abuse.• Brakes – The forklift's brakes are visually and operationally tested with adjustments or replacement as needed.• Gauges & Electrical Systems – Complete electrical system, including gauges, is inspected with corrections made as needed.

The entire forklift and it's systems are then tested for proper operation. See more forklift pictures at our Google+ Page

The Mitsubishi FD150 forklift, pictured at right, had badly damaged body and carriage and needed plenty of cleaning and reconditioning. The Mitsubishi FD50 required new body work, new tires, new paint and we steam cleaned the engine.

The new Weiler E2850 Remixing Material Transfer Vehicle (MTV) is more powerful, has more capacity and includes an exclusive paving material remix hopper. The Weiler E2850 is available for sale and for rent at any of our Ring Power north and central Florida locations.

Weiler improved upon their current MTV, re-named E1250A, with a simplified clean-out and multiple drop-out floors.

What is a paving material transfer vehicle?Operating in front of the asphalt paver, material transfer vehicles move paving material from the dump truck, up and into the hopper of the paver, allowing for virtually continuous non-stop paving. Several advantages for paving companies to use MTVs include continual non-stop paving, reducing truck waiting time at the paving site, reduced temperature differentials of paving material and increased rideability.

What are the benefits of using an MTV?For starters, utilizing an MTV in any asphalt paving project is the ability for increased production by allowing non-stop paving. Material Transfer Vehicles also minimize material segregation by re-blending the asphalt material inside the hopper. Additional benefits of incorporating an MTV on a paving jobsite are…– minimize thermal segregation by blending together cold and hot asphalt in the hopper.– increase ride quality – decrease trucking requirement– maintain consistent paver operation– ability to tailor paving needs to the job

Interested in renting an MTV?Renting an MTV could increase your bottom line. By renting, you know your costs upfront with no large capital expenditure upfront. And Ring Power’s asphalt transfer vehicles are ready when you are with no idle time between jobs.

Weiler E2850 Remixing Material Transfer VehicleWeiler’s new E2850 Remixing Material Transfer Vehicle is powered by a Cat 300 hp C-9 and has an exclusive material remix hopper with 25 tons of on-board storage. The hydraulically extendable operator’s console allows for better site visibility. Ring Power now offer’s the Weiler E2850 for rent with very competitive rates. Call 904-737-7730 or email for details.

Ring Power is the exclusive Caterpillar dealer in Central and Northeast Florida, is headquartered in St. Augustine, Florida. Ring Power is comprised of eight divisions and has more than 45 years of experience selling, servicing and supporting Caterpillar and allied paving equipment.

Additional information about the Ring Power, its products, services and employment opportunities can be found on the Internet at www.ringpower.com.